Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
Meet Dr. Jeffrey R. Ash
Jeffrey R. Ash, Ed.D. is the Universities at Shady Grove's first Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Officer. A nationally recognized leader in higher education, Dr. Ash brings more than 20 years of experience across the University System of Maryland in advancing inclusive organizational culture, equitable practices, and student and employee success.
Before joining USG in 2022, Dr. Ash served as Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, where he helped lead nationally recognized diversity and inclusion initiatives. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, the University of Maryland, College Park, and the University of Maryland School of Nursing, while contributing to regional and national organizations dedicated to advancing equity in higher education.
At USG, Dr. Ash leads the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging and oversees the implementation of the university's Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan, fostering a campus culture where every member of the community feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Education & Awareness
The Office of DEIB fosters a culture of belonging through educational programs, workshops, and campus-wide events that encourage learning, dialogue, and cultural understanding. Signature initiatives provide opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and community members to engage with diverse perspectives and strengthen our campus community.
Equitable Hiring
As USG's Equity Administrator, the Office of DEIB partners with Human Resources to help ensure hiring processes are fair, equitable, and inclusive. The office provides oversight and guidance throughout the recruitment process, reviewing searches to promote equal opportunity, reduce bias, and support hiring practices that align with institutional policies and best practices.
Strategic Leadership
The Office of DEIB leads the implementation of USG's Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan, working collaboratively with campus departments, partner universities, and community organizations to advance institutional priorities. Through strategic planning, partnerships, and accountability, the office helps embed diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into the policies, practices, and culture that shape the USG experience.
Our DEIB Strategic Action Plan
The work of Inclusive Excellence is guided by USG's Five-Year Strategic Action Plan. Developed through a collaborative process involving students, faculty, staff, alumni, board members, and community partners, the framework establishes the priorities that guide our initiatives, partnerships, and accountability across campus. The goals and objectives below are presented as adopted by the Strategic Plan Task Force and university leadership.
